UPDATE: The New York State Senate adjourned for the summer without taking up AB 9487/SB 7290. This means that the New York state spay/neuter fund will not yet be authorized to fund Trap-Neuter-Return.

Thank you to everyone who contacted their State Assemblymember and Senator about this bill. Because of you, the State Assembly did take the important step to pass the bill. Unfortunately, the Senate did not act in time to do the same.

Even though these bills failed to pass this legislative session, we are optimistic for the future and will stay engaged in this issue and let you know how you can help.

Original Action:

This action is ONLY for residents of New York State

A pair of bills, AB 9487 and SB 7290, would expand the reach of the state spay/neuter fund to include Trap-Neuter-Return efforts. Community (feral) cats have a critical need for spay and neuter services, but currently, New York’s spay/neuter fund is not authorized to support TNR projects. Studies show that only a small percentage of community cats are sterilized compared to pet cats, so expanding the reach of the spay/neuter fund will allow it to have a greater impact without increasing cost. When impounded in shelters, community cats are nearly always killed. These bills would save cats lives by controlling the population humanely, through spaying and neutering.

Respectfully ask your state officials to support spay/neuter for community cats.